King James Version

What Does Romans 3:27 Mean?

Romans 3:27 in the King James Version says “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”

Romans 3:27 · KJV

Faith

Context

25

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; set forth: or, foreordained remission: or, passing over

26

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

27

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Paul draws out implications: Pou oun hē kauchēsis (Ποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις, "Where then is boasting?"). Exekleisthē (ἐξεκλείσθη, "It is excluded")—aorist passive: boasting has been shut out decisively. By what nomos (νόμος, "law/principle")? Tōn ergōn (τῶν ἔργων, "of works")? Ouchi (Οὐχί, "No!").

Alla dia nomou pisteōs (ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως, "but through the law of faith"). Paul uses "law" (nomos) in two senses: the Mosaic law-system based on works versus the gospel-principle based on faith. If justification depended on works, successful achievers could boast. But since it rests solely on faith in Christ's work, all grounds for boasting evaporate. Grace humbles every human; the cross levels all pretension.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish confidence in covenant status ("we have Abraham as father") was a form of ethnic boasting Paul attacks. But religious boasting transcends Judaism—every works-system breeds pride. The Reformation recovered Paul's insight: sola fide excludes all boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What subtle forms of boasting creep into your spiritual life—pride in spiritual disciplines, biblical knowledge, ministry success?
  2. How does the "law of faith" definitively exclude all human boasting?
  3. Why is the exclusion of boasting essential to preserving the gospel's glory—making salvation all of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ποῦ1 of 15

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

οὖν2 of 15

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἡ3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καύχησις4 of 15

“is boasting”

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ἐξεκλείσθη5 of 15

“It is excluded”

G1576

to shut out (literally or figuratively)

διὰ6 of 15

“By”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ποίου7 of 15

“what”

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

νόμου8 of 15

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

τῶν9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργων10 of 15

“of works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

οὐχί11 of 15

“Nay”

G3780

not indeed

ἀλλὰ12 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

διὰ13 of 15

“By”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

νόμου14 of 15

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

πίστεως15 of 15

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 3:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 3:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 4:2Romans 2:231 Corinthians 1:29-31Ephesians 2:8-10Romans 2:17Galatians 3:22

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 3 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes